Water Ways Jet Ski

December 29, 1990|Story by Daniel P. Ray

``For $25 to $30 you can get as much speed on the water as you want to,`` said Brian Jason, co-owner of Hollywood Jet Ski rentals, which operates in a popular spot for the rooster-tailing jet ski crowd, in the Intracoastal Waterway just north of Sheridan Street.

Piloting a jet ski requires operators to stand or kneel. Skis are built for one. A gentler-on-the-legs version is the wave runner, which can carry up to three seated passengers, depending on their girth. ``They`re like a snowmobile on the water,`` Jason said.

Jason`s shop (1-305-921-8343) charges $25 for a half hour on a jet ski, $30 for a half hour on a wave runner. His prices are typical in the industry, which is generally gathered around marinas. Jet skis often can be rented from the same companies that rent powerboats.

Lifejackets and lessons generally are included in the price. All shops require a security deposit: Some want cash or a credit card, some just ask renters to surrender a driver`s license.

``The bottom line around here is safety, safety in front,`` said Jason, a semi-pro jet skier. ``We try to give you as much fun and safe riding as we possibly can.``

Most jet ski firms require renters to stay in a designated area, almost always within the Intracoastal. A few, such as Pompano Boat Rentals near Hillsboro Inlet, allow those renting wave runners for an hour to shoot out of the inlet into the ocean, as long as they`re accompanied by a guide from the shop. Their hourly rate for wave runners is $50.

Rented luxury yachts provide one of the fastest-growing areas of viewing South Florida`s waterways. Beyond the means of most mortals, they mainly serve to provide corporate cruises with panache.

``Our clients regularly host party cruises because they can`t find any other activity that compares for entertainment and value,`` said Kathleen Windridge, the lady of the Lady Windridge, which at 170 feet is one of the largest luxury yachts available for hire.

Her dining room seats 275 people, and can handle parties of from 20 to 400 guests. It has four decks, three lounges, a dance floor, two staterooms and an observation deck.

No bologna sandwiches wrapped in baggies here. ``This is full china and the whole routine. They have an on-board kitchen, chefs. These people do it right,`` said the ship`s spokesman, Kevin Chandler of Bitner, Laurenti & Pierson Public Relations.

When a ship has its own spokesman, you know you`re talking serious money.

It costs $4,500 to charter Lady Windridge for a four-hour cruise. Food and liquor are extra.

CHARTERBOAT FISHING

The charter boat captain surveys the land for customers and the sea for fish, half salesperson, half seer.

``There`s no knowledge like local knowledge,`` said longtime Captain Leo De Mattia, who is also secretary-treasurer of the Fish City Boat Fleet, an association of 10 ships that run out of the Hillsboro Inlet.

In looking for the spot to drop the lines, ``You look at water color, sea temperature, bait fish concentration and wind,`` he said. ``And when all else fails, you flip a coin.``

The best way to find a boat to charter is to shop around at a marina. The largest and most famed of the charter fleets docks at Fort Lauderdale`s Bahia Mar, but others can be found clustered around all of South Florida`s inlets.

Ships vary in size, but typically run 40-55 feet, comfortable for up to six passengers. For that size ship, expect to pay $275 to $325 for four hours, $525 and up for eight.

Longer trips usually are available, at negotiated prices.

This is the busiest time of year for charter boats, and captains hope it will be busy enough to salvage what has been a lackluster season.

``It`s picking up,`` said John Crosetti, dock master of the Cove Marina, which runs six boats out of the Boca Inlet. ``We`ll know soon after Christmas.``

Most everything needed to fish is supplied aboard the charters.

``You need to bring what you want to eat and drink, and a good mood,`` De Mattia said.

SIGHTSEEING

Organized ogling is the goal of the sightseeing tours, the most famous of which is the Jungle Queen, which operates from the Bahia Mar Yacht Basin, south of Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale.

It offers three daily trips, at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The morning and afternoon excursions along Fort Lauderdale`s New River cost $6.95 for adults, $4.95 for children younger than 12.

The $20.95 evening cruise runs four hours, and includes an all-you-can-eat dinner of barbecued ribs, steamed shrimp and chicken.

The ship paddles its way past fine homes to its own island for an alligator wrestling demonstration and a chance to shop for souvenirs. The evening cruise also includes a vaudeville show and a sing-along. For information, call 1-305-462-5596.

Palm Beach has a similar paddlewheel boat, which has been closed for renovations but will resume operation on Jan. 15. Stillwater Cruises` 65-foot ship, located in the Waters Edge Marina in downton Boynton Beach, offers narrated Intracoastal cruises to Palm Beach County estates.